Aeroplane with four axially arranged engines



Sept. 26, 1933'. R. BRATU- 1,928,326

`IJEIUIIICJ x 1% AEROPLANE WITH FOUR AXIALLY ARRANGED ENGINES Filed May 15, 1931 Fig. l

DDU nnnnnnu Patented Sept. 26, 1933Y N UNITED STATES fAERoPLANE WITH FOUR AXIYALLY ARRANGED ENGINES Raymond Bratu, Paris, France Application May 1s, 1931, seria1 No. 5317,051, and in France May 20, 1930 Y 3 Claims.

The present invention relates to an aeroplane or hydro-aeroplane, with a single or double fuselage, which may be a monoplane, biplane or triplane having four engines disposed in the vertical 5 plane of symmetry of the aircraft, to give security in flight.

With this object the'machine Vis provided, at its central part, with a housing specially arranged toreceive the four engines which are mounted in the following mannerz-one at the front of the housing, the other at the rear, and the other two in tandem above the wing.

This relative arrangement allows the four propellers to turn in the axis of the machine and give to this latter great stability, whilst suppressing turning couples due to the stopping of any one of the engines, which is found to occur in the arrangements generally adopted for multiengine machines. A It is thus possible, with machines according to the invention, to fly without reaction upon the pilots controlling means, in the case of stoppage of one or two engines.

Provision is made against conflicting axial forces by a turnable stabilizing plane, the action of which is increased by the resulting inclination of the engine axis towards the rear. The connection of the upper engine housing tothe central `housing is eiected by a turretwhich is of such -dimensions that a wide passage is left for the mechanic to obtain access to the engines in flight.

Security in operation is also enhanced by the concentration of the four engines, which allows the mechanics free movement around these latter, -for inspection, adjustment and repairs in flight.

The cabin for the crew which is in the front of the housing is spacious, quite separate and allows all the members of the crew to attend to their occupations without disturbance. A rear cabin fitted with hammocks permits the possibility of needed rest.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the propellers assures to them a very great efficiency, over known arrangements.

In the drawing which shows a method of carrying the invention into effect for a commercial aeroplane, i

Fig. 1 is a side view of the aeroplane. l

Fig. 2 is a front elevation.

Fig. 3 is a view'taken from above of the machine showing the form of the double fuselage and in a clear manner, the arrangement of the propellers in the axis of the engine housing.

The arrangement which is the object of the present invention, permits the *cabin for the crew (pilot,'navigator, wireless operator, captain) and the engine compartment to be completely independent of the passenger cabins, does away with the comings and goings through these latter, which are often disagreeable for travellers. A Furthermore, the elimination of vibrations and noise is complete in these passenger cabins.

The wing structure is supported on the two fuselages, and it overhangs to a large extent, which assures a great iineness to the machine. 65., It is constructed from a numberV of completely independent elements, the connection of which is effected by metal ttings of the same type. These elements have the maximum dimensions, which allow their transport by railway or water. 70. This subdivision of the wing structure does not affect its rigidity nor its solidty and constitutes an appreciable advantage in the case of damage, as it only necessitates the replacement of the damaged part. 75.-

In addition, the double fuselage form has great advantages from a constructional point of view. The load on the central part of the wing being to some extent compensated for 4by the bending moment ofthe overhung parts, this central part 80. can have a very slightconstructional weight, and all the more so in the present case of the four axially arranged engines, as the weights of the central housing, of the four engines, the baggage (the holds for which are arranged in the wing structure), and of the petrol reservoirs, are adapted to reduce the load due to the air pressure.

The wing surfaces on the other hand owing to their great extension, can have a very great efciency Whilst retaining an appropriate constructional weight.

The substantially rectangular lateral fuselages with the angles carefully rounded, are fixed under the wing structure as is also the central housing. They are constructed with vertical couplings connected by struts. A covering of light very thin sheet metal alloy provides for the connection of the principal couplings and the lighter inter` mediate couplings.

The landing gear has a wide clearance between the wheels. Each group of four Wheels mounted on the edge of a triangular prism like structure xed to the fuselage, is placed directly under the corresponding fuselage; the principal strains are 105 thus directly transmitted without passing through the wing structure. The arrangement of an oleo-pneumatic system of jointed skids causes the shock-absorber systems, only to enter into play when the two skids simultaneously 1.10

. absolutely independent from the rest of the structure. Further, facilities are provided for passengers to consume refreshments or light luncheons.

The present invention relates to machines, as has been stated, which comprise the lfour propellers arranged in the axis of the machine and is in no way modified by the addition of engines to obtain an increase of power or for other reason, either if these engines. are placed in front of the lateral fuselages or otherwise arranged.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States of America is:-

1. An aircraft machine of the heavier than air type comprising a unitary engine casing, four engines located in said casing to be easily accessible to the supervising stan' and a propeller driven by each said engine, the axes of al1 of said propellers being located in the vertical plane of symmetry of the machine.

2. An aircraft machine of the heavier than air type comprising a central engine casing, two fuselages one at each side of said engine casing, four engines in said casing and a propeller driven byr each engine, the axes of all of said propellers being located in the vertical plane of symmetry of the machine.

3. An aircraft machine of the heavier than air'type as claimed in claim 2, embodying additional engines in suitable positions.

' RAYMOND BRATU. 

